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Traditional and contemporary art of Kazakhstan

A Virtual Journey into the World of Kazakhstan’s Artistic Heritage

This Web Gallery presents the diversity of artistic practices in Kazakhstan, reflecting the continuity of cultural traditions and the dynamic development of contemporary creative processes. The virtual exhibition features works based on national images, symbols, and themes, as well as artworks by contemporary artists who reinterpret the country’s cultural heritage through contemporary artistic forms, expressive means, and modern technologies.

The selected works demonstrate the relationship between traditional and contemporary art, revealing the distinctive features of the national worldview, cultural identity, and cultural meanings. The presented materials allow viewers to trace how elements of historical and cultural heritage are reflected in contemporary artistic practice, while maintaining their significance and relevance in an increasingly globalized world.

The Web Gallery is aimed at promoting Kazakhstan’s artistic heritage, expanding public access to works of art, and fostering a lasting interest in national culture and art among a wide audience.

Konek

Fund of the East Kazakhstan Architectural, Ethnographic and Natural Landscape Museum-Reserve

Konek

The word “konek” has several meanings. The most common meaning is a leather container for carrying milk, used in milking mares. It is usually made from cow or camel skin. The container comes in various shapes.The narrow-necked, wide-bottomed form of kөnek was used for drawing water from wells and watering livestock.Another meaning of the word “konek” has regional or historical characteristics: a bag, container, pouch made of leather or fabric – kap, dorba for storing grain, salt, flour. These names refer to folk, obsolete everyday vocabulary in the meaning of “container” for storing or transporting things.